By ELIZABETH DONALD
O’Fallon, IL – For the Cumberland-Tracy family, ironworking is a family affair – and so is their union.
Three generations of Cumberlands joined to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ironworkers Local 392 April 6 at the Regency O’Fallon. William Cumberland Sr. was an ironworker since 1946, and his son and grandson became ironworkers, as well as son-in-laws and others.
“It takes a special kind of person to do this work,” said Deb Tracy as the family gathered in a ballroom surrounded by their union family. “You can earn a decent wage, you get health benefits, you get a pension, you can actually send your kids to college. They’re tough people, they really are. (But) it’s difficult physical labor.”
Ironworkers Local 392 is part of the family, taking care of their own. And the union celebrated a century dedicated to advocacy and support that night, with a party with all the trimmings – from ice sculptures to free cigars, the party reflected the achievement of staying on all these years.
HONOR THE PAST, MEET CHALLENGES TODAY
President John Herrington said the oldest member they could find on the books transferred in when another local’s charter was revoked as book No. 491 for a total of $25 dues. The newest member joined a few weeks ago, and was book No. 1,666,375.
“In honor of the past, we will meet our challenges of the day, as we look back and look forward, to continue our apprenticeship and journeyman programs,” he said.
REP. JAY HOFFMAN
Among the attendees was state Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Ill.), who said he is an honorary member of the Ironworkers. “Please keep getting me elected because you don’t want me out working next to you,” he said.
Hoffman sponsored a congratulatory resolution that honors the local for its anniversary. “What the members of this local have done is help build the Midwest, and not only the Midwest, but America,” he said.
Other congratulations printed in the history book passed out at the event came from Herrington, Business Manager John Schmitt, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
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